By the Rev. Robert Walsh. 53 



looks very inviting. It is sometimes punctured by a species 

 of Cynips, which gangrenes the fruit, and converts the interior 

 into a dry powder like ashes, while the outside retains its 

 plump and beautiful aspect, and hence it is called the Apple 

 of Sodom. Hasselquist found it on the shores of the 

 Dead Sea. It is distinguished by spines on the stem and 

 calyx. The third bears a long black fruit, of which there are 

 several varieties in shape and colour. It is sold in the markets 

 in almost as great abundance as Gourds and Melons, and 

 used in the same manner in soups. It is called, by the 

 Turks, Palindjam; and its first appearance in the markets is 

 always attended with a strong N.E. wind, which for that 

 reason is called, in the Armenian Almanack, Patlindjam 

 Melktem ; and all the ships bound for the Black Sea hasten 

 to sail before the fruit appears in the market, and the wind 

 sets in, as it continues several weeks. 



Brassica Gongylodes. 



Eruca. 



The first of these has a protuberant swelling of the stem, 

 from whence the leaves issue, and this is the only part of the 

 plant used. The second is a foetid, offensive plant; but 

 highly esteemed by the Greeks and Turks, who prefer it to 

 any other salad. 



Hibiscus Esculentus. 

 This is very ornamental as a flower, but it is cultivated 

 here for the fruit: the unripe pod is plucked, and stewed 

 with sauce. It is sold in abundance in the markets, under 

 the name of Bahmia. It is also dried for use, and preserved 

 on strings. 



